What is the minimum egg size to get pregnant? This is a question that many women ask when they are planning for pregnancy. A healthy and mature egg increases your chances to get pregnant. However, there are many women who don’t know about the right size and how it affects fertility. So, if you’re also thinking about this then this blog is for you.
At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist with over 35 years of experience, has helped many couples in their journey to become parents. Today, in this blog, we will explain everything in simple words, including what is the minimum egg size to get pregnant, why it matters, how it is measured, and more.
Why Does Egg Size Matters in Pregnancy?
Egg size is important in pregnancy because it helps us to understand if the egg is healthy and ready to make a baby. If the egg is too small or not fully grown then it may not work with the sperm. This can make it difficult to get pregnant. A good and healthy egg increases the chance of pregnancy whether naturally or with treatments like IVF or IUI.
What Is the Ideal Egg Size for Conception?
It’s important for a woman’s egg to be mature and healthy to get pregnant. Doctors usually check the size of the egg to understand if it’s ready for fertilization. The minimum egg size to get pregnant is usually around 18 to 20 mm. When the egg reaches this size, it means ovulation is near and the chances of conception are better.
If the egg is smaller than 18 mm then it may not be fully mature and this can also reduce the chances of pregnancy. That’s why doctors regularly monitor the egg size through ultrasound to make sure the timing is right and the egg is ready for fertilization.
How Is Egg Size Measured?
Doctors measure egg size by using a simple and safe test which is called a follicular scan. This is done with an ultrasound machine. The scan helps the doctor to see the ovaries and check how the eggs (follicles) are growing. It’s usually done through the vagina because it gives a clearer view.
The doctor measures the size of the follicle during this scan. As the egg grows, the follicle also grows. When the follicle reaches around 18 to 20 mm then it means the egg is mature and ready to be released. This is called the minimum egg size to get pregnant.
Factors That Affect Egg Growth and Size
Egg growth and size are important for conception. There are many factors that can affect how properly an egg grows and whether it reaches the minimum egg size to get pregnant. So, it’s important to take care of your health and understand these factors to improve your chances of pregnancy.
Here are some key factors that affect egg growth and size:
- Hormone balance – Our body makes special chemicals (hormones) that help the eggs to grow. If these hormones are not in the right amount then the egg may not grow properly.
- Age – A woman’s eggs don’t grow or work properly when they get older. This is normal but it can make it difficult to get pregnant.
- Health problems – There are some issues like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid problems that can slow down or stop egg growth.
- Eating habits – If the body doesn’t get enough healthy food (like fruits, vegetables, and proteins) then eggs may not grow properly.
- Stress and sleep – Too much stress and not sleeping well can affect the body and stop eggs from growing in the right way.
- Smoking and alcohol – These can affect the egg health and make it difficult for them to grow and mature.
Tips to Improve Egg Quality and Size Naturally
There are many natural ways you can follow to help your eggs to grow and become healthier. A good egg size and quality are very important, especially when you’re trying to reach the minimum egg size to get pregnant. So, it’s important to take care of your daily routine, diet, and body.
Here are some easy tips to improve egg quality and size:
- Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and pulses daily.
- Drink 7–8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated.
- Do light exercise or yoga for 20–30 minutes daily.
- Sleep 7–8 hours every night to keep your body strong.
- Stay happy and avoid stress to support egg growth.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol as they can affect the egg quality.
- Take vitamins like folic acid or Vitamin D after consulting your doctor.
When to Worry and See a Fertility Specialist?
If you are trying to get pregnant but it’s taking longer than expected then it’s okay to ask for help. Sometimes, there can be small issues with your periods, ovulation, or overall health that make it difficult to conceive. A fertility doctor can check what’s wrong and guide you with the right treatment.
You should see a fertility specialist if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35)
- Your periods are very irregular, too short, too long, or have stopped
- You’ve had two or more miscarriages
- You have PCOS, thyroid problems, or endometriosis
- You feel pain during periods or while ovulating
- There are no clear signs of ovulation (like no egg release)
- You or your partner have a known fertility problem
- You’re planning IVF or IUI and want to check egg size and quality
Closing Line
Egg size plays an important role in getting pregnant, whether naturally or through treatments like IVF or IUI. In this blog, we have explained everything in simple words, including what is the minimum egg size to get pregnant, how egg size is measured, what factors affect its growth, when to worry, and natural tips to improve egg quality and size.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, has guided many couples with care. If you also have some questions about your egg health or fertility journey, we’re here to help. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email doctor@risaaivf.com for expert advice.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can small egg size affect fertility?
Yes, small egg size can affect fertility. Eggs that are too small may not mature properly, making it harder for them to be fertilized. Mature eggs, usually around 18–20 mm in size, have a better chance of leading to pregnancy.
Minimum egg size to get pregnant in natural conception?
For natural conception, the egg should be around 18 to 20 mm at the time of ovulation. This size shows that the egg is mature and ready to be released for fertilization.
Minimum egg size for ivf or iui treatments?
For IVF or IUI treatments, the egg size is also expected to be at least 18 mm or more before the trigger shot is given. Proper egg growth is important to improve the success rate of these fertility treatments.
Can I get pregnant if my egg is smaller than 18 mm?
Pregnancy is less likely if the egg is smaller than 18 mm at ovulation, as it may not be fully mature. But with proper treatment and care, egg growth can often be improved in future cycles.